Lauren Lam Wins Gold Medal as Three U.S. Players Take on Bahrain International Challenge

From November 23 to November 27, Lauren Lam, Enrico Asuncion, and Kodi Tang Lee played tough matches in Manama, Bahrain.

Enrico Asuncion started off on the first day by playing Iraq’s Yousif Alhumairi in men’s singles, ultimately winning 21-8 and 21-11. In the next round, he fell to India’s Sai Charan Koya 12-21 and 14-21. 

The following day, the women’s events kicked off. In women’s doubles, Lauren Lam and Kodi Tang Lee played Hong Kong’s Yeung Nga Ting and Yeung Pui Lam, fighting hard but ultimately losing 13-21 and 13-21.

In women’s singles Lauren Lam started off against India’s No. 4 seed Malvika Bansod. After winning the first game in a close battle, 21-19, Lam would lose the second game 10-21. However, she would bounce back to win the final game 21-19. 

In the quarterfinals, Lam faced India’s Ira Sharma, winning in straight games 21-14 and 23-21. In the semifinals, Lam faced India’s No. 1 seed Aakarshi Kashyap. Despite losing the first game 21-23, Lam would go on to win the latter two games 21-11 and 21-15, securing her spot in the finals.

In the finals, Lam would face off against Indonesia’s Asty Dwi Widyaningrum, winning in straight games 21-18 and 21-10 and earning the Bahrain International Challenge 2021 women’s singles gold medal!  

To see the U.S. badminton results from the Bahrain International Challenge 2021, click here.